Leo Peterson

Memorial services for Leo Peterson will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 18, 2010 at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dan Holthus officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Natrona County United Veterans Council and the Wyoming Army National Guard. Inurnment will be at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. Leo B. Peterson passed away quietly October 12th, 2010 at Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home. Leo was born May 31, 1924 in Greybull, Wyoming to Arthur J. and Mary Peterson. He had three brothers an older brother Arthur J. and two younger brothers Charles W. and Theodor. He started school in the Whaley School House on Shell Creek in 1930. In 1931 he transferred to East Emblem Elementary School. In 1934 he transferred to the Greybull School System as the family moved to 332 6th Avenue North where he lived until he left for the Navy in 1943. He was a graduate from Greybull High School. He entered the Navy May 15th 1943 and went on active duty May 22, 1943. He worked his way up to Store Keeper 2nd Class in the Pacific Theater. He served on the USS George F. Elliott for the duration of the war. He received the American Area; Victory Medal; World War II; Asiatic Pacific Area and 5 Stars; Philippine Liberation and 2 Stars and Good Conduct medals. His ship was at the Saipan Battle, Iwo Jima, and the Philippine Battles and was also in the East Indies. He entered Tokyo Bay days after the surrender of Japan. His return from the war was later than most because he was a Store Keeper and had to dispose of equipment and supplies. He always said ‘By the time I got back from the war all of the best girls were married.' He remained a bachelor until he was 63. Leo went to work as an accountant for Marathon Oil in 1951 in Casper Wyoming. He worked for Marathon for 34 years. His father passed away in 1953 and Leo took care of his mother in a home he bought on Jackson Street. His mother passed away in 1976. Leo was very active in his family's life and was much loved by all of his nieces and nephews. He never missed an important event in their lives. His smiling face will be sorely missed from all of our family gatherings. After he retired he met his lovely wife Florence while visiting with his brother Arthur in Harden Montana. He had finally found his perfect woman. He was looking for a companion who wanted to travel and most importantly shared his Lutheran faith. They married October 3rd 1987 in Harden Montana at the Redeemer Lutheran Church. He acquired 4 children when he married Florence. Sheila, who is married to Jim Watt and resides in Dayton Wyoming, Vicky who is married to Dan Songer and lives in Gilbert Arizona, Debbie who is married to Ron McLean and lives in Menifee California and Mike who is married to Cheryl and lives in Eugene Oregon. He is survived by 7 grandchildren Christopher , Nicholas, Whitney, Sarah, Melissa, Benjamin and Justin and one Great Grandson Aden and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church.